Dwarf Larkspur Delphinium grandiflorum 'Summer Nights' (Summer Series)

Water

The Dwarf Larkspur, or Delphinium grandiflorum 'Summer Nights', prefers consistent moisture, so water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Generally, this means watering about once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions and soil drainage. It is important to avoid overwatering to prevent root rot, so ensure proper soil drainage. Provide the plant with roughly one gallon of water per week to maintain ideal moisture levels, adjusting as necessary during hotter, dryer periods or during rainfall.

Light

For the Dwarf Larkspur, it is essential to provide full sun to partial shade, with a preference for a spot that receives morning sunlight and some afternoon shade in hotter climates. The best light conditions ensure vibrant blooms and healthy growth, so aim for at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.

Temperature

The Dwarf Larkspur thrives in moderate temperatures and does best when daytime temperatures are between 60°F and 75°F. They can withstand minimum temperatures down to around 40°F, but frost can be damaging. During the growing season, maintain a temperature range that does not drop below 40°F at night and does not exceed 75°F during the day for optimal growth.

Pruning

Pruning the Dwarf Larkspur is important for maintaining a neat appearance, encouraging bushier growth, and promoting more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to prolong the blooming period and cut back the plant's stalks to the ground level in late fall after the first frost. Pruning is typically done post-blooming and before winter dormancy.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Larkspur 'Summer Nights' thrives in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter, with a pH range from 6.0 to 7.5. A mixture of loamy soil, compost, and a handful of sand or perlite can create an ideal growing medium for this plant, promoting healthy root growth and adequate drainage.

Repotting

Larkspur 'Summer Nights' generally doesn't require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2-3 years, or when it outgrows its current container. It's best to repot in the spring, just before the growing season begins.

Humidity & Misting

Larkspur 'Summer Nights' prefers moderate humidity levels but can tolerate a range of conditions; however, it is not well-suited for extremely dry environments. Consistently high humidity is not necessary for this plant.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Keep in bright, indirect light; ensure good air circulation.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun, sheltered from strong winds.

• Hardiness zone

  3-7 USDA

Life cycle

Delphinium grandiflorum 'Summer Nights', commonly known as Dwarf Delphinium or Larkspur, begins its life cycle as a seed, which, when planted in well-drained soil and exposed to the right conditions of light and temperature, germinates to produce a young seedling. The seedling develops into a juvenile plant with a rosette of basal leaves before sending up its central flowering stalk. The flowering stage occurs in late spring to early summer, in which the plant produces tall spikes of deep blue or violet flowers that attract pollinators and allow for cross-pollination. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed pods that eventually release seeds, completing the sexual reproductive cycle. If conditions are not suitable for seed production or if propagation is done vegetatively, the plant may instead grow and spread through its root system. As perennials, these delphiniums enter a period of dormancy in late fall or winter, diminishing above-ground activity until the next growing season when the cycle resumes with new growth from overwintered roots or newly germinated seeds.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• Delphinium Summer Nights, a cultivar from the Summer Series, is typically propagated by sowing seeds. The ideal time to plant these seeds is in late winter or early spring, which facilitates the growth of young plants ready to bloom the same year. To propagate, first, soak the seeds in water for about 24 hours to improve germination rates. Sow the seeds thinly across the surface of a seed starting mix in a tray or pot, and then lightly cover them with a fine layer of soil or vermiculite. The container should be placed in a warm location with a consistent temperature of around 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 24 degrees Celsius) under bright, indirect light. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Germination typically occurs within 2 to 3 weeks, after which the seedlings can be thinned out or transplanted once they have a pair of true leaves and are large enough to handle.